The United Arab Emirates is an authoritarian federal monarchy comprised of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain.
It is located in the Middle East, near the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, and has borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, as well as maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. The capital is Abu Dhabi, while the most populous city, Dubai, serves as an international center.
The UAE coast spans over 650 kilometers along the southern edge of the Persian Gulf, broken only momentarily by an isolated protrusion of the Sultanate of Oman. Six of the emirates are located along the Persian Gulf, and the seventh, Fujairah, lies on the peninsula's eastern coast, with direct access to the Gulf of Oman.
The UAE has a subtropical-arid climate with scorching summers and warm winters. July and August are the warmest months, with average maximum temperatures on the coastal plain exceeding 45 °C.
The emirates are characterized by a diverse landscape that includes stony desert, coastal plains and wetlands, and waterless mountain regions. The seaside is a sanctuary for migratory waterfowl and attracts birdwatchers from all over the world, as have the country's unspoilt beaches and luxury resorts. The United Arab Emirates, located at a historic and geographical crossroads and comprised of numerous nationalities and ethnic groups, show a fascinating combination of old customs and contemporary technology, cosmopolitanism and plenteous, and wealth.
Real Estate in UAE
The United Arab Emirates' efforts to diversify its economy rely heavily on the real estate sector. The UAE government is working to diversify the country's economy in order to minimize its reliance on oil and gas profits. Real estate activities account for around 5.5% of the UAE's total gross domestic product.
One of the reasons the UAE's real estate industry has been so successful is the government's proactive strategy for attracting international investments. With policies like freehold ownership and no limitations on profit repatriation, the emirates have established an investor-friendly atmosphere. High rental returns combined with affordability, easy visa regulations, and long-term ambitions for urban and sustainable development have drawn investors from all over the world.
Benefits of Buying Property in UAE
Growth of prices on real estate: The demand for real estate in the United Arab Emirates is increasing. By the end of 2022, the amount of property sales transactions increased by 60% over the same period the previous year, while prices went up by 15%.
No property taxes: There are no yearly property taxes, and owners do not pay taxes on rental revenue from their properties. It is only necessary to pay taxes when purchasing and selling real estate. The rate is rather low, typically 2-4%, and the tax is normally split equally between buyer and seller.
High rental yields: about 5-8% per year
Freehold Property in UAE
Approximately 20 years ago, the United Arab Emirates' real estate market became available to international buyers. The officials in the emirate of Dubai were the first to do so. They let people of other countries gain total ownership of residences, but only in limited locations. The number of such zones has grown over time. Today, almost 70 districts are on that list in Dubai alone.
Following Dubai's lead, Abu Dhabi allowed foreigners to own real estate roughly 15 years ago. On April 17, 2019, the government of Abu Dhabi changed its real estate legislation to enable nationals of other countries to buy properties in specific areas in order to boost direct investments. There are now 17 freehold zones in Abu Dhabi.
Freehold is the most transparent type of real estate ownership, whether it be a land plot, a house, or an apartment. A property having this status can be sold, given as a gift, used as collateral for a loan, or bequeathed. This sort of ownership imposes specific obligations: you must maintain the land and the structures built on it, pay the utility bills, and so forth.
The number of freehold properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi continues to rise. The internal demand from residents of the UAE and the Persian Gulf is insufficient to meet the whole supply. International purchasers, on the other hand, have the ability to cover it totally, but their interests are focused on properties with full ownership. As a result, the list of localities where foreign investors can purchase real estate with full ownership grows year after year.
In recent years, the UAE government has opened up the real estate market to a greater extent for foreigners, allowing for more investments. The possibility of a five-year and ten-year resident visa has been created, which may be obtained through real estate investments.
Property Types in UAE
The residential real estate market in the UAE is quite diversified, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The clients are able to choose properties at any price in a variety of locations and categories. The options range from studios and modest apartments for students and young families to one-of-a-kind luxurious residences with one-of-a-kind design and exclusive furniture. As a result, everyone can simply find property that suits their preferences and budget.
Compounds
A compound is a gated housing development made up of apartment buildings. Its territory is very protected and only accessible to its residents. Compounds are often multi-story structures with a private backyard and amenities for residents. Some compound complexes can even zone their area such that residents from one block cannot reach the garden adjacent another block. It ensures complete privacy and a comfortable living in multi-story residential structures. Only 72 compounds are listed on classified websites in the UAE, 43 of which are in Abu Dhabi and 29 in Dubai.
Townhouses, Villas, and Bungalows
Townhouses are really similar to compounds. They are generally less private and comprise of low-rise residential complexes with individual entrances. Although townhouses share a side wall and a roof, each unit has its own small plot of ground for a driveway, a garden, or a barbecue area. The UAE property market has about 12 thousand townhouses spread around the country, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.
Villas are an alternative for those who prefer more seclusion. Despite the fact that they are close to each other and face the same street, they do not share any walls. Furthermore, villas always have a vast area surrounding them where you may start a garden, create a pool, gazebos, and outbuildings.
Bungalows are the most comfortable form of detached residences in the UAE. Typically, the term bungalow refers to one-story structures, however in the UAE, 2- and 3-story bungalows are common. They usually do not face the street since facades are hidden from passers-by.
Apartments, Penthouses, and Duplexes
The most common type of housing in the UAE are apartments in high-rise structures. The local property market is filled with options, ranging from small studios to big multi-bedroom apartments with multiple bathrooms, private patios, and, in some cases, a private pool.
Penthouses occupy the top levels of buildings, either entirely or partly. It is one of the most luxury types of dwelling, with amazing views from the windows. Naturally, practically every penthouse has panoramic glazing (often over the full perimeter).
Duplexes, or two-story flats, are another popular form of property in the UAE. They can occupy any floor of the structure, including the ground, middle, and upper levels.
The Most Popular Property Locations in UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah are among the popular locations for purchasing UAE property.
Dubai is the most popular neighborhood in the UAE for property purchases. Foreigners buy real estate four times more frequently in Dubai than in Abu Dhabi, the country's capital.
The real estate business in Dubai contributes for 8.2% of the emirate's GDP. It is also a key employment sector for its international labor. The emirate of Dubai has grown appealing to real estate investors due to its emphasis on being a high-end tourism destination. The majority of urban building projects in the emirate are investment villas (almost 72 thousand), followed by private villas (40.6 thousand).
To summarize, the UAE real estate industry provides a plethora of options for investors and stakeholders. The UAE continues to draw worldwide attention in the real estate industry due to its powerful economy, beneficial business environment, and visionary leadership. While there are challenges, the market's tenacity, flexibility, and long-term development possibilities make it an appealing destination for both individuals and businesses eager to profit on the dynamic real estate scene.